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CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing. This not only keeps the luggage
from being thrown out but also pre-
vents exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle.
ÐLock release lever
To open the trunk lid from the driver's
seat, pull up on the lock release lever. ÐLuggage security systemThis system deactivates the lock re-
lease lever so that things locked in the
trunk can be protected.
1. Push down the security lock levers to lock the rear seatbacks.
After locking the rear seatbacks, try fold-
ing them down to make sure they are
securely locked, otherwise someone could
get into the trunk by folding down a rear
seat.
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2. After closing the trunk lid, insert the master key and turn it counterclock-
wise to deactivate the lock release
lever.
After closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up
to make sure it is securely locked. HoodTo open the hood:
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is closed and securely locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up the auxiliary catch l ever and lift the
hood.
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Fold- down rear seat
(A) FOLDING REAR SEAT
1. Pull up the seatback security lock lever 1 to the unlock position.
2. Pull up the lock release button 2.
3. Fold down the seatback.
Each seatback may be folded separately.
This will enlarge the trunk as far as the
front seatbacks. See º Luggage stowage
precautionsº in Part 2 for precautions to
observe for loading luggage.
CAUTION
When returning the seatback to the
upright position: Make sure the seat belts are not
twisted or caught in the seatback
and are arranged in their proper
position and are ready to use.
Make sure the seatback is securely
locked by pushing forward and rear-
ward on the top of the seatback.
(B) PREVENTING DAMAGE TO REAR
CENTER SEAT BELT WEBBING
When folding down the left seatback, if
the luggage loaded in the enlarged
trunk will damage the webbing of the
rear center seat belt, disconnect the
rear center seat belt to prevent damage.
1. Insert the tab 1 or tab of the outside seat belt into the buckle- release but-
ton to release the tab 2, and allow
the belt to retract.
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To release the belt, press the buckle- re-
lease button and allow the belt to re-
tract.
If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull
it out and check for kinks or twists. Then
make sure it remains untwisted as it re-
tracts.REAR CENTER SEAT BELT
The rear center seat belt is a 3- point type
restraint with 2 buckles. Both seat belt
buckles must be correctly located and se-
curely latched for proper operation
Make sure the buckle 1 is securely
latched for ready use of the center seat
belt.
The buckle 1 should be separated only
when the rear left seatback is folded
down, if the luggage loaded in the en-
larged trunk will damage the webbing of
the rear center seat belt. (See ºFold- down
rear seatº in this chapter for the instruc-
tion of how to correctly connect the seat
belt.)Two buckles and tabs for rear center
seat belt
The two buckles for the rear center seat
belt are distinguished with size of the
buckle release button. Also the two tabs
have different shape for its end so that
the belt is not buckled in the wrong place.
CAUTION
Make sure the both buckles are cor-
rectly located and securely latched.
Failure to properly match the buckle
and tab may cause severe injury in
case of an accident or a co llision.
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Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Chapter 7- 2 for
additional information. When checking the
tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Chapter 7- 2 for additional in-
formation.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including trunk lid
operate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down
smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position. For folding- down
rear seatbacks, check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure that the
belt webbings not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in ºPº position and all brakes re-
leased.